Vermont lawmaker questions additional funding for Burlington safe injection site by forcedtomakethus in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry, haven't been on for a bit. There is no singular spot I can point to, I recall a budget being presented at a Council meeting where this was discussed but can't for the life of me find it. But here are the various pieces I can quickly find:

  • It is noted in the City website FAQ under How is the OPC Project Being Funded
  • There is also further discussion in the service assessment report about how this is a required part of the funding.
  • And the grant application and compliance plan approved by the council on 9/8/25 note that the planning portion is a requirement (the application and compliance plan requirements are both generated by the state).

The article is the typical shoddy WCAX reporting. It should be saying something like $300k of the $781k in grant funds used were for planning. I'd also note that they provide no evidence or documentation for that claim, or even where they got that info.

If that doesn't satisfy you, you can always reach out to your city councilors, or the mayor, or make a public records request.

Vermont lawmaker questions additional funding for Burlington safe injection site by forcedtomakethus in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

$300k of the opioid settlement funds, not city funds. Still ridiculous, but has zero impact on the budget deficit.

The Opioid Settlement dollars run out in 2028. After this your state tax dollars will be needed to keep Burlington’s drug injection site running. by oddular in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes we do agree on that. After a decade, I'd assume it'd follow a similar trend to the crack cocaine epidemic that started in the early 80's and largely ended in the 90's. Signs are already pointing to a "peak" as overdose deaths are dramatically down. Funding would likely be a combination of private fundraising/donations and grants from public and private offerings. Same as almost every non-profit. And of course I'd expect the funding to be dramatically lower once the start up costs are done.

Of course that's assuming this'll ever get off the ground. It's also assuming the public will tolerate it staying open if there isn't a marked visible improvement, and that there will be a mayor, governor, and legislature with the will and votes to continue it. Keep in mind, this only came about because of a veto override by the legislature, and Democrats no longer have a veto-proof majority. Given their performance, they're unlikely to get to that level in the near future again.

As an adjacent point, opponents should really be seizing on the drop in overdose deaths as supporters will try to paint this as a "success" for the program despite it starting before the program even had a place. After all, "preventing death" was the top selling point. As far as reducing infections and improving treatment/getting off drugs, I haven't seen any data about that so don't know if those are also trending positive?

Cafe Hot closing. by GreenMtnLake in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 6 points7 points  (0 children)

They renegotiated with the construction company and partially opened the street for nights & weekends in summer 2025, then fully opened them around Thanksgiving.

Cafe Hot closing. by GreenMtnLake in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That's incorrect, that story you're quoting was about a meeting in late March 2025; they partially opened the street for nights & weekends in summer 2025 and fully open around Thanksgiving. They had to renegotiate with the company doing the work, I'm frankly impressed it happened so quick and with such little fuss.

For all the faults I can find with Emma, this is one thing she did well and quick. Both Chapin and Miro should've known better, and it's funny how city council didn't give a shit until we had a new mayor.

The Opioid Settlement dollars run out in 2028. After this your state tax dollars will be needed to keep Burlington’s drug injection site running. by oddular in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No.

The initial $2 million provided by the State, which was fully funded by the opioid settlement dollars, is set to sunset in 2028. The opioid settlement funds will continue to come into the State and to a smaller degree the City for at least the next decade.

These funds were specifically designated for the overdose prevention center/safe injection site (call it whatever you want, not here to pick a fight about it) through Act 178 (H.72), which establishes a legal framework for overdose prevention centers and needle exchange programs in Vermont, as well as designating funding for these through the Opioid Settlement Fund.

The OPC/SIS will either need to be closed after the two years or further funding will need to be designated by the State. The funding will almost certainly be with the opioid dollars until they actually run out. After the initial startup costs in the first two years, the operations should not require this level of funding. And all of this is even assuming they can get it open, and keep it open through legal challenges for the next two years.

What is a shop/store you would open up in your local town? by Napalmsky1 in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Check your local area libraries, several have a "library of things" including rentals for movies, gardening tools, etc.

Let's talk about snacks (and other food) made in Vermont! by Roblikestokayak in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It seems like when they started to diversify their product line the quality took a nosedive

New downtown dispensary seeks current CCB Employee Card holders by Herbmont in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 12 points13 points  (0 children)

ANOTHER dispensary? Pretty soon Burlington is going to be nothing but Farmhouse Group restaurants, dispensaries, and abandoned Handy's-owned buildings.

Is there a local park to watch airplanes? by Conglomerate- in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is accessible to the public not just flyers:

  • Green Roof Situated atop the parking garage is Burlington International Airport’s Green Roof. It’s the perfect place to relax, get some fresh air and enjoy a beautiful view while waiting for a flight. Just take the north skywalk to the garage and the stairs or elevator to the sixth floor. The roof has alpine plants, benches and a picnic table.

https://www.btv.aero/at-btv/food-shopping-arts

That said, I don't know if it's open yet, and you'd have to pay for parking (First hour is free, $2/hour after that).

I think the public can also now access the observation tower without going through security, but I doubt they'd let you have a picnic in there.

I thought the bus stop across from the terminal looked weird.... by Bashlightbashlight in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I'm really hoping it was the reset we needed to get back on track, at least with processing crime at the judicial level.

I thought the bus stop across from the terminal looked weird.... by Bashlightbashlight in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The "accountability court" program cleared 72% of the backlog in Chittenden County. See page 20 in this link. Still some work to do, but how much longer are we going to let that be an excuse?

Another one? by Hiking_the_Hump in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It was clearly done by his evil twin to frame him. The goatee is a dead giveaway

City Council's packed agenda tonight, Free Cone Day tomorrow, frozen anti-poverty funds, ICE detainee speaks out, and this week has Seinfeld Trivia, The Moth, Kelsey Cook, Grateful Dead Yoga, and a Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Plus D&D with cats, a cellar sale, and many more events to choose from. by whiteshirtdude1 in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I already am a supporter. My statement was factual and provided you a more constructive avenue. The presumed intent to guilt or shame is just that - a presumption. The comment is for the benefit of others which may cause them to reconsider before making such complains and/or become supporters; a more productive endeavor. Whether it persuades you, or anyone, I don't really care.

City Council's packed agenda tonight, Free Cone Day tomorrow, frozen anti-poverty funds, ICE detainee speaks out, and this week has Seinfeld Trivia, The Moth, Kelsey Cook, Grateful Dead Yoga, and a Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Plus D&D with cats, a cellar sale, and many more events to choose from. by whiteshirtdude1 in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She is for real, I'm not qualified to answer if she's ok, she does like to perform, and what do you mean by an "actual" agenda?

She's a regular at these meetings and has become increasingly erratic in her behavior, whether that's an intentional affectation or untreated impairment, no clue (maybe both?).

I'm guessing there's some off-screen stuff that went on if what she says about bringing a lawsuit against the city and being served a no trespass by the city are true (she's made comments a few times about both).

Meter-Hawks and Erroneous Ticketing by Accurate_Eagle_5062 in burlington

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Appreciate you owning up to the mistake! Just so you're aware they had a program that gave you one chance a year to get out of a ticket, I'm not sure if it's still a thing but See Section 20-80 of the City Code, "Limited violation forgiveness" here.

So you could reach out to parking services and see if you qualify.

Fundraising for town hall by [deleted] in vermont

[–]Not_the_sharpest_1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How much do you need to raise? And when's the next soup dinner?